Meditation is the new word on the block. It’s the new trend and most of us have at least heard and/or read about it. But I wasn’t sure that it was my cup of tea. I didn’t think I needed it, and to be quite honest, I just did not have the time for it. It felt like it was something beyond my reach, something only very serious-minded people would practice.

That is, until recently, when things really started going haywire in my life from so many different angles. I was desperately searching for some peace within and decided to give the much talked about “meditation” a try since a few of my colleagues had praised it so much. So I started to do some research of my own. Although it sounded fairly easy to do, I wasn’t sure how to get started. I began to sit in a quiet place with my eyes closed trying to focus. However, no matter how much I tried to concentrate, my mind wondered off in so many directions, one thought after another, and I found that very bothersome. I knew having too many thoughts during meditation was not the correct way to go about it. Plus there were so many do’s and dont’s: sit straight, don’t move, eat right etc.

I decided to do some more searching hoping to find the right technique or the type of meditation suitable for me because there are endless approaches to meditation. After a few weeks of searching, I landed on a website for an organization called Art of Living. The name itself caught my attention. “Art of Living” I thought, “What is this all about?” I read about their Sudarshan Kriya, meditation, yoga etc. After having gone through extensive research and trial and error on my own, I knew I was not getting anywhere. So I decided to sign myself up for the Art of Meditation course.

On the first day of the course, I didn’t know what to expect, and although I was nervous, I was very curious. Without going into too much detail of the course, because it is an experience that one should go through on one’s own, it was fantastic. The course itself was refreshing and uplifting and the teachers were very knowledgeable and helpful. Although I had just learned to meditate with a special mantra or sound, it was still very challenging. Lots of thoughts and urges to concentrate would make me even more restless. Giving up would have been a much easier option, but instead I continued to practice meditation for 20 minutes twice a day as instructed in the course.

Now two months later, it has become an integral part of my daily routine. The key is to meditate regularly; practice makes perfect. I am happy and delighted to have taken up this challenge because it is extremely beneficial and rewarding. It has made a world of difference in such a short span of time. The benefits of meditation to your mind and body are immense. Nothing can compare with the feeling of fullness and wholeness. I am more calm, relaxed, enthusiastic and clear in my decision making. I look forward to just sitting with my eyes closed and doing absolutely nothing, twice a day. It’s a real treat to the soul. At times, I find myself full of joy for no reason. Now this does not mean that I never feel any negative emotions. It’s just that I’ve learned a better way of handling those emotions whereas there was only one way before– frustration.

Taking the initiative to take the Sahaj Samadhi course (aka “Art of Meditation”) is one of the best decisions I have made in life. I have achieved something so precious that it’s hard to put into words. One can only value something as powerful as meditation after having tried it oneself. Reading about it does not do it justice. One must learn and practice it. Sahaj Samadhi meditation is a simple, easily-learned mantra (sound) meditation technique, which reduces stress levels, anxiety, depression, “perfectionistic thinking” and many more negative emotions. Being complimented on your calmness during difficult situations or showing gratitude to those who otherwise did not expected it is breathtaking.

I have learned the secret to happiness! 🙂 I feel more whole and complete. This is the power of meditation. It is priceless!!!!!